Doesn't the N55 engine in the 7 produce more power than it does in the 5 series? I wonder if that extra 10% more power makes it feel similar to the 5 series. As JNoSol says, if the 740 is only 242 pounds heavier, I bet the power to weight is almost exactly the same.

I bet thats part of the reason BMW has upgraded the v8's power so that the 750 can keep up with the 550.

315hp, so 15hp more. However, same tq of 300lb. You can always get a 740 with Tuning, which can give a stock V8 a run for its money.